Quest for a poor man

princess, her mother the queen only had the ability to give birth to a child. The king on the other side hates polygamy so he refused to marry another woman. One fateful day, princess Rose was in her room when her mother walked in ).

Queen: My daughter how are you?

Princess: Am fine mother.

Queen: Okay, ... a report got to me.

Princess: Was it about me?

Queen: Yes my dear.

Princess: And what did I do?

Queen: Prince Judge from the next two village told me that you said you don't want to marry him.

Princess: Yes mother I told him.

Queen: Rose what is wrong with you, do you know how many suitors came for your hand in marriage?

Princess: I know but I don't want any of them.

Queen: Remember they are not ordinary men they are royal men.

Princess: Mother I said I don't want to marry a royal man but you and father keep forcing me.

Queen: Okay what man do you want to marry?

Princess: Eeeem, Eeeem.....

Queen: Talk am listening.

Princess: See mother I don't want to marry any rich man whether royal or not, I want a man in stage one.

Queen: Shut up, keep shut stop spitting out nonsense, wait which man do you say you want to marry again?

Princess: A man in stage one.

Queen: Shut up you mean a poor man?

Princess: Eeeem maybe.

Queen: Why, why?

Princess: I have been lonely all my life and now telling me to marry a royal man is going to worse because all what they would spend their time on is the village welfare and leave me alone but a stage one man would always have time for me.

Queen: That's a lie because as far as you are my daughter you won't marry a poor man ( Walks out angrily ).

( In the palace the queen walks in ).

King: My queen why is your face looking dull?

Queen: King it's our daughter oooo.

King: What is it?

Queen: I don't think we can discuss it here.

King: Why?

Queen: ( Whispers) The guards and not even only that.

King: Guards.

Guards: Yes your Majesty.

King: Excuse us ( The guards walks out ) Am listening.

Queen: My king.

King: Yes.

Queen: I don't think we can still say it here why don't we go into my chamber.

King: Okay go in I would come to meet you.

Queen: Okay my king ( Walks into her chamber ).

( Few minutes later ).

King: Okay am listening.

Queen: A report got to me about our daughter from prince Judge, he said he loves our daughter and told her but our refused saying she can't marry him.

King: Why, that Prince is very responsible.

Queen: She said she don't want him.

King: But why?

Queen: My king, could you believe our daughter said she won't marry a rich man whether a royal or not.

King: So what man does she want to marry?

Queen: She said a man in stage one.

King: Meaning?

Queen: A poor man my king a poor man.

King: What!

Queen: I don't even know what to do.

King: God forbid I reject it as long as I am alive it won't happen a poor man can not inherit my throne never ( Storms out angrily ).

( Few weeks later, the queen and the princess were having a discussion ).

Queen: My daughter.

Princess: Yes mother.

Queen: I have discussed what you told me to your dad.

Princess: And what did he say?

Queen: He didn't agree at all.

Princess: But.....

Queen: My daughter if you marry a poor man your father won't let him inherit the throne.

Princess: That's what I actually want.

Queen: Rose.

Princess: Mother.

Queen: I love you.

Princess: Same here mother.

Queen: I love you so much.

Princess: I know mother.

Queen: And I won't let you take a bad decision.

Princess: I know.

Queen: See my daughter getting married to a poor man is not only a bad decision it is the worst.

Princess: No mother it is not.

Queen: You are my only child and I don't want any man to inherit the throne except your husband.

Princess: I don't think that will be possible.

Queen: It can my daughter.

Princess: Mother.

Queen: Yes.

Princess: I know the bad from good and getting married to a poor man can be a wrong or right decision but to me it is the best option I have

Queen: Rose why aren't you listening to me?

Princess: I always do mother.

Queen: If so then listen to me on this one also and act fast.

( The next day, a knock was heard on the princess room door ).

Princess: Who's there?

Woodcutter: The woodcutter, your highness.

Princess: ( Opens the door ) Yes how may I help you?

Woodcutter: The king said I should amend every worn out furniture in the chambers.

Princess: Okay come in.

Woodcutter: ( Walks in ) Your room looks very neat.

Princess: Thank you.

Woodcutter: Your highness can I ask you a question.

Princess: Go on.

Woodcutter: Why do you like staying indoor?

Princess: ( Sighs ) My parent said I shouldn't go out.

Woodcutter: Why?

Princess: It's all about the wicked ones.

Woodcutter: Okay, well as I can see there is no worn out furniture in your room but before I go can I know your name.

Princess: ( Laughs ) So you don't know my name.

Woodcutter: ( Smiles ) That's why I called you your highness.

Princess: Alright am Rose.No

Woodcutter: Such a nice name, am Tom.

Princess: Do you live in this village?

Woodcutter: No I came from the next village.

Princess: Are there no woodcutters in this village?

Woodcutter: There are but your father loves my work more than theirs.

Princess: Do you have a sibling?

Woodcutter: Yes, a younger sister.

Princess: So where did you learn your handwork from that my father loves it than others?

Woodcutter: My father, he is also a woodcutter and my mother is into fishing.

Princess: ( Smiles ) That's good

Woodcutter: I have to go now.

Princess: Okay see you later, bye.

Woodcutter: Bye ( Walks out ).

( Few days later ).

King: Tom.

Woodcutter: Your Majesty.

King: I told you to amend every worn out furniture in this palace.

Woodcutter: Yes your Majesty.

King: And did you do it?

Woodcutter: Yes your Majesty.

King: How dare you lie to me.

Woodcutter: Am not your Majesty.

King: But I asked my guards and they said they didn't see you.

Woodcutter: That was because I didn't pass the guards chamber.

King: Liar you are a big liar.

Woodcutter: Am not telling lie your Majesty.

King: Really, then proof it.

Woodcutter: Your Majesty all the worn out furniture in the chambers had been amended.

King: That's a lie because my room table got broken this morning and I told you to amend every worn out furniture.

Woodcutter: I did your Majesty but I wasn't able to gain access to the queen and your room.

King: Why?

Woodcutter: Due to the fact that you and the queen weren't around and I wasn't given the instruction to enter.

King: Why didn't you tell my daughter?

Woodcutter: Am sorry your Majesty I never thought of that.

King: ( Laughs ) Tom why are such a liar.

Woodcutter: No your Majesty am not.

King: You were paid without doing the job.

Woodcutter: No your Majesty I did it.

King: Guards!

Guards: Yes your Majesty.

King: Beat him up.

Woodcutter: Please,please your Majesty.

King: When you are done throw him out.

( The guards began to beat him up ).

( In the princess room ).

Princess: Isn't that Tom's voice ( Walks out ) Stop it! Stop it! ( The guards stops ) Why are you beating him?

Queen: Your father gave him a job and he failed to do it.

Princess: What job?

Queen: To amend every worn out furniture in the palace.

Princess: But he did it.

Queen: Half done and fully paid.

Princess: Meaning?

Queen: Your father's and my room was left out.

Princess: I told him not to.

King: Why?

Princess: Because he wasn't a member.

King: But he said he didn't tell you about your mother's room and my room

Princess: He didn't tell me I told him.

King: Tom why didn't you tell me it was the princess that told you not to.

Tom: I..I..

Princess: He was scared father.

King: Okay eem guards take him to the treating room.

Guards: Okay your Majesty ( They carried Tom and left for the treating room ).

Princess: ( Walks after them ).

Queen: Rose where are you going to?

Princess: To the treating room.

Queen: To do what?

Princess: To help out.

Queen: In what?

Princess: Anything.

Queen: Come on go back to your room.

Princess: ( Murmurs and walks away )

King: My queen is the food ready?

Queen: Almost my king.

( In the night, the woodcutter visits the princess ).

Princess: Who's there?

Woodcutter: It's me.

Princess: ( Opens the door ) Come in.

Woodcutter: ( Walks in ) Thank you.

Princess: For what?

Woodcutter: You saved me.

Princess: Really.

Woodcutter: You covered up for me thank you so much.

Princess: You are welcome.

Woodcutter: And also you are such a beautiful young lady.

Princess: Thank you.

Woodcutter: Why are you not married?

Princess: I have a reason and you?

Woodcutter: I also have a reason.

Princess: ( Smiles ) Am not joking.

Woodcutter: Every lady want a rich man to marry so when they find out am not what they want they break up.

Princess: But you are not bad as that.

Woodcutter: Yes well every lady want a rich man.

Princess: Not every lady.

Woodcutter: Alright give me an example of a lady that doesn't want a rich man.

Princess: Am an example.

Woodcutter: ( Laughs ) Speaking of the leader.

Princess: No you are wrong.

Woodcutter: Okay,okay.

Princess: Have you eaten?

Woodcutter: Yes I was given food.

Princess: Okay.

Woodcutter: Can I sleep here?

Princess: As what?

Woodcutter: As your friend of course. ( They both laugh ).

( Few days later, princess Rose and Tom were having a discussion ).

Princess: Tom you said you wanted to discuss something with me.

Tom: Yes.

Princess: Alright am listening.

Tom: I told my parent about you.

Princess: Was that necessary?

Tom: Yes it is, so they said you are a very good princess.

Princess: Okay.

Tom: And I told them I would love to marry you.

Princess: What!

Tom: I know I didn't tell you but I really want to marry you.

Princess: But...

Tom: I know you can't marry me.

Princess: ( Surprised ) Why do you say so?

Tom: A princess to a woodcutter.

Princess: ( Moves nearer to him ) See Tom you are a responsible young man and you are the image of the man I would love to marry.

Tom: ( Smiles ) Really?

Princess: Yes, I don't want a rich man I want a man like you.

Tom: But....

Princess: You are a strong, hardworking, honest and loyal young man and I love you because of that.

Tom: Thank you.

Princess: Never mind I would marry you.

Tom: ( Smiles ) But do you remember there are royal men after you.

Princess: Tom stop talking about that I love you that's why I want to marry you.

Tom: I love you too.

Princess: Okay am coming ( Stands up )

Tom: Where are you going to?

Princess: To get our food.

Tom: No never mind you can get yours I would soon take my leave.

Princess: Why?

Tom: It is not every time I should have my lunch here.

Princess: No you must I would be right back and don't go anywhere ( Hurries away ).

( The next day ).

Queen: My dear you look very happy today what's the secret?

Princess: Mother there would soon be a wedding ceremony in this palace.

Queen: I don't understand you.

Princess: Mother I have found the man I actually want.

Queen: Really, so what's his name, how many houses does he have, what position is he?

Princess: Well his name is Tom.

Queen: Which Tom?

Princess: The hardworking and responsible woodcutter.

Queen: Are you out of your senses?

Princess: Mother what's wrong.

Queen: How dare you say Tom is your man.

Princess: What's wrong in that is he not a man?

Queen: No he is not,what do you expect when a family meeting is called and that poor man represents you as your husband.

Princess: Mother I love him and that's who I would marry.

Queen: Never,never as far as I am alive.

Princess: Mother why don't you want me to marry him?

Queen: He can't take care of you and I do not only want you to marry Tom I also don't want you to marry any other poor man.

Princess: Mother I don't need anyone to take care of me I can take care of myself.

Queen: He has no money to spend on you.

Princess: Mother money does not come easily, I and Tom would work together to have a good life.

Queen: Never, never you haven't gotten a man Rose.

Princess: I have mother.

Queen: Shut up you don't know anything.

Princess: Then make me know everything.

Queen: Shut up!

Princess: Mother I really love Tom and I would marry him.

Queen: Would you stop saying rubbish ( Walks out angrily ).

( In princess Rose's room ).

Tom: My princess how are you?

Princess: Am fine.

Tom: Is there a problem?

Princess: No, nothing.

Tom: You can speak to me my princess.

Princess: There is nothing wrong.

Tom: Okay but.....

Princess: It's all about you.

Tom: I don't understand.

Princess: I told my mother about you and then...

Tom: She didn't accept me.

Princess: How do you know?

Tom: It's normal to me.

Princess: But don't worry about that.

Tom: Okay.

Princess: I have a plan.

Tom: About what?

Princess: See I don't think my parent can allow me to marry you and you know I love you and I also wish to marry you.

Tom: I know, so what's your plan?

Princess: I would tell my mother am pregnant.

Tom: What! but you know it's an abomination for a royal member to get pregnant before marriage and also remember the consequences.

Princess: Yes such member would be sent away so I would be sent away and I would go with you and live our life.

Tom: You know you are the only child will they be able to send you away?

Princess: They dare not go against the royal culture.

Tom: But.....

Princess: Or don't you want to marry me?

Tom: Of course I want to my princess.

Princess: I love you.

Tom: I love you more my princess.

( The next day, the queen and king are discussing ).

Queen: My king I have something to discuss with you.

King: Am listening.

Queen: Our daughter said she already found her man.

King: So what's his name and which palace does his father rule?

Queen: That's the problem.

King: I don't understand.

Queen: You know I once told you that she wanted a poor man as her husband.

King: Yes I remember.

Queen: That's what she eventually did.

King: What do you mean?

Queen: Our daughter eventually found the poor man she want to marry.

King: What is wrong with her?

Queen: Not only that.

King: What again.

Queen: Her choice was the woodcutter.

King: What! not when am still alive.

Queen: I don't know what she sees in that poor man.

King: Never that man is worse than poor.

Queen: So what do we do?

King: Do you know that his parents bdon't even have any property for their son to inherit.

Queen: My king what we should be looking for now is way forward.

King: There is no way forward....

Queen: So do you want our daughter to marry that man.

King: You don't always calm down.

Queen: Please don't insult me.

King: I was about to say there's no way forward other than for us to convince our daughter to kill the idea of marrying him.

Queen: It's like you don't know our daughter.

King: If you can't convince her then find someone else to do so.

( The next day, the queen arranged with prince Judge to make sure her daughter falls in love with him and forgets the woodcutter ).

Prince Judge: ( Knocks the door ).

Princess: Who's that?

Prince Judge: It's me.

Princess: ( Opens the door ) Yes how may I help you?

Prince Judge: Can I come in?

Princess: No.

Prince Judge: Why?

Princess: Am observing my quiet time.

Prince Judge: Why are you avoiding me?

Princess: No am not.

Prince Judge: But you don't want me to enter your room.

Princess: But I said am observing my quiet time.

Prince Judge: Adachi you know I love you.

Princess: Can you please excuse me?

Prince Judge: See I really love you.

Princess: Bye ( Closes the door, a knock is heard at the door ) but I said you should excuse me. ( Opens the door ).

Tom: My princess.

Princess: Ooh ( Hugs him ) come in.

Prince Judge: Are you not observing your quiet time again.

Princess: I don't know.

Prince Judge: Okay can I come in now?

Princess: No.

Prince Judge: Why?

Princess: ( Closes the door ).

Tom: What was that about?

Princess: Don't mind him.

Tom: Are you sure?

Princess: Yes just forget about him.

Tom: I trust you.

Princess: ( Smiles ) You have to my love.

( The next day, the King, Queen, Princess, Prince Judge, Tom and Chiefs were in a meeting organized by the King and Queen ).

King: Good day everyone.

All: Good day your Majesty.

King: The reason for this meeting is to put each one of us where we are supposed to be now I hand it over to you my queen.

Queen: Thank you your Majesty, Rose!

Princess: Mother.

Queen: We are glad to announce to you that Prince Judge wants to marry you.

Princess: And that can't happen.

Chiefs: Aaaaaah!

Princess: I want to marry Tom and no one else and if you insist I shouldn't marry Tom I would have to decide all by myself, I even wanted to activate a plan against all this nonsense but my loving man said I should not.

King: ( Laughs ) My daughter what I decide for you is what you would follow.

Princess: I want to remind you that am not a kid.

Chief Thomas: Then stop behaving like one.

Queen: Rose you don't know anything.

Princess: ( Chuckles ) You are making a mistake.

King: Enough, Rose.

Princess: Father.

King: You would only marry Tom if within a week he is able to pay up this price.

Princess: And what's the price?

King: Ten bags of rice, beans and cassava each, a dozen of cow, goat and pig and also a million.

Prince Judge: ( Laughs ) He can never.

Chief Dan: And what if he isn't able to my king?

King: She marries Prince Judge.

Princess: That's if I am available ( Storms out angrily while Tom follows her ). ( They all burst out laughing ).

( In princess Rose's room ).

Tom: My princess you just walked out on your parent and that's disrespect.

Princess: Tom respect is reciprocal my parent don't respect me so what do you expect.

Tom: Okay what do we do now?

Princess: Do you truly love me?

Tom: Yes if course.

Princess: Then let's go away.

Tom: I don't understand.

Princess: If you really love me let's run away.

Tom: What about your parent?

Princess: It's time for them to learn it the hard way.

Tom: Okay where are we running to?

Princess: Your parent house then later we move out.

Tom: Okay that's okay but.....

Princess: Why the but?

Tom: I don't think I have everything needed to take care of a princess.

Princess: Never mind I may be a princess but doesn't need much things anything I see is okay.

Tom: Okay so when do we go?

Princess: ( Starts to pack her belongings ) Few hours to now it would be get dark so we move.

Tom: Okay but I have to inform my parent first.

Princess: ( Stops packing and stares into his eye ) Are you sure you don't want to run away from me?

Tom: No, no I would soon be back.

Princess: You must be here before the moon fully rise.

Tom: Okay see you soon my princess ( Walks out and met with Prince Judge ).

Prince Judge: Poor rat why are you stressing yourself, well you still work for me because you guard her still we get married, and where is she?

Tom: Ask your forefathers ( Storms away ).

Prince Judge: ( Angry ) Mad man, Poor goat, Idiot ( Walks away ).

( In the night, Tom and Princess Rose are discussing ).

Princess: Thank God you are back.

Tom: Of course I can't leave you.

Princess: So what did your parent say?

Tom: They said you are always welcome into our house.

Princess: Aaaaah thank God.

Tom: Did Prince kelu come here?

Princess: Yes he came.

Tom: So what happened?

Princess: I didn't even open the door for him.

Tom: I trust you my princess.

Princess: So when are we leaving?

Tom: I should ask you that.

Princess: Really are you not the man ( Smiles ).

Tom: But don't forget also that you are the plan planner ( They both laughed ).

Princess: Am thinking we should go now.

Tom: Have you packed all your things?

Princess: Yes I have.

Tom: Never mind I would make you extra comfortable in my parent house.

Princess: Why?

Tom: Aren't you a princess and let's even forget about that remember you are also my woman.

Princess: Yes that's what I want to here your woman and not your princess.

Tom: Okay my woman ( Laughs )

Princess: That sound better.

Tom: Okay let's move and don't forget to say goodbye to the palace.

Princess: Have already done that, let's go.

( They both sneaked out of the palace into Tom's parent house ).

( The next day in the palace ).

Queen: Did Rose come to greet you this morning?

King: No I did not see her.

Queen: She didn't come to greet me also.

King: Is anything wrong with her?

Queen: Maybe what we concluded on at yesterday meeting.

King: That's true but she doesn't know it's for her own good.

Queen: She's still young when she grows up she would realise the good deed we did for her.

King: We have to also talk sense into her even at her age.

Queen: Okay that will be later because am really busy this week.

King: What are you preparing for?

Queen: The upcoming women celebration.

King: Oooh I have forgotten I hope the preparation is going well?

Queen: Yes it is ( Two maid runs in ).

1st maid: Your highness.....

Queen: What is it?

1st maid: The princess, the princess.....

Queen: What happened to her?

2nd maid: We can't find her.

Queen and King: What!

1st maid: We went to her room to serve her food but she wasn't there.

King: Are you okay is it only her room that is in thus palace!

2nd maid: We checked everywhere we did not find her.

1st maid: None of her belongings were also in her room.

Queen: ( Sobs ) Where is my daughter, where is my only child aaaah am finished.. King: ( Tremble ) Calm down we will find her ( To the maids ) tell the guards to look for my daughter all around the village ( The maids ran out ).

Queen: My king that's our only seed.

King: Don't worry nothing will happen to her